The Stage

Avenged Sevenfold's first single from their seventh studio album of the same name, "The Stage" clocks in at 8:30. The lyrics are a condemnation of the lack of critical thinking and predisposed biases among the majority of humanity. Vocalist M. Shadows relates how it seems to be human nature to take on board everything we are spoon fed by our leaders without analyzing what we've been told to believe.

Released on October 28, 2016, this was the first Avenged Sevenfold song to be heard with drummer Brooks Wackerman, who replaced former stickman Arin Ilejay.

Avenged Sevenfold debuted the song on October 15, 2016 during their bill-topping slot at Tolucam, Mexico's, Knotfest.